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The Dragon's Hoard #1-4
The Dragon's Hoard
Four tales of dragons, and the trouble and joy that comes from meddling with them …
Finding the Wolf is the story of Nyle, the unlucky dragon ordered to track down a missing prince. It should be a simple enough task, except that where humans are concerned nothing is ever simple. Breaking the Shackles is about Baine, who arrives at the werewolf village to rescue the twin brother torn from his side years ago. He quickly learns that mixing dragons and werewolves always results in chaos. In Stealing the Dragon Jerney reluctantly finds himself helping a baby dragon retrieve its stolen hoard, never imagining he might find his own heart stolen in the process. Our tales of dragons conclude with Melting the Ice Witch, the story of Kam, kidnapped by the Tribe of the White Dragon in a desperate bid to save themselves from the ravages of the frozen wastelands they are forced to call home …
Finding the Wolf is the story of Nyle, the unlucky dragon ordered to track down a missing prince. It should be a simple enough task, except that where humans are concerned nothing is ever simple. Breaking the Shackles is about Baine, who arrives at the werewolf village to rescue the twin brother torn from his side years ago. He quickly learns that mixing dragons and werewolves always results in chaos. In Stealing the Dragon Jerney reluctantly finds himself helping a baby dragon retrieve its stolen hoard, never imagining he might find his own heart stolen in the process. Our tales of dragons conclude with Melting the Ice Witch, the story of Kam, kidnapped by the Tribe of the White Dragon in a desperate bid to save themselves from the ravages of the frozen wastelands they are forced to call home …
418 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Mell Eight
70 books280 followersWhen Mell Eight was in high school, she discovered dragons. Beautiful, wondrous creatures that took her on epic adventures both to faraway lands and on journeys of the heart. Mell wanted to create dragons of her own, so she put pen to paper. Mell Eight is now known for her own soaring dragons, as well as for other wonderful characters dancing across the pages of her books. While she mostly writes paranormal or fantasy stories, she has been seen exploring the real world once or twice.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 29, 2019
See review on each book.
May 4, 2016
The Dragon’s Hoard is a bundle of the four books that make up the Dragon’s Hoard series by Mell Eight. While the four books are interconnected in some fashion, they can be read as stand-alones. I would say, though, that to really enjoy them you should read them in order. Each book is about a hundred(ish) pages long, and they differ on the amount of sexual content in them (Stealing the Dragon, for example has practically none while Finding the Wolf has the characters having sex within an hour of meeting). Despite the ranging sexual content, I would classify all these stories as overall very sweet and low-key. They are fluffy and perfect little pick-me-ups.
I will be reviewing each of the four books on their own, but overall I must say that I really enjoyed this series of books. I love dragons, and these books had them all in such lovely configurations. Not to mention witches, werewolves, and other interesting characters. If you get a chance I would encourage you to pick up this quartet of books (either in this bundle or sold separately) for when you need that little bit of extra pick-me-up. And hey, they are even sold in audio book form (which I must admit I am tempted to try).
Finding the Wolf — 3.5 stars
The dragon Nyle is in the human city only because he has been asked to find the youngest prince of the human rulers. Prince Leon has been missing for years and the king needs the dragons help to find him. However there is much that the king has kept secret, and finding Leon will only be half the battle for the dragon and his pretty…I mean, prince.
I didn’t realize till I started reading this bundle that I’d read this first book before. I was pleasantly surprised to find it just as sweet and fun as I vaguely recalled. Nyle is totally charming in his mix of dragonish-demeanor and his innocence of youth. I really liked that I could feel both his age and his maturity at the same time (dragons tend to mature at a much much slower rate then humans). He is several hundred years old, and yet still the youngest dragon of his species. I was surprised to find that both showed up well on the page.
Of the four stories this one definitely has the most action in it (and probably the most sex, or sexual content, as well). It is not the focus of the story, but the fighting and the mystery build up a good deal of tension that helps bring the story together. Plus I love a good dragon battle as much as the next guy (who is obsessed with dragons).
Mostly my favorite part of this book was the chemistry between Leon and Nyle. I really like the hoarding aspect of their relationship and how it wasn’t made a big thing, even if it was a big deal. Alternately the hardest part for me was perhaps Leon’s brash personality in the beginning of the story. I just have a hard time with characters that tend to steam-roll over other characters. Especially in regards to sex. I don’t think what happened between them was in any way non-consensual, but I would have had an easier time with Leon if he didn’t seem to basically push Nyle into his bed.
That aside, it was a good start to this quartet of stories, and it left me looking forward to finally getting a chance to read the rest of this series.
Breaking the Shackles — 4 stars
(If you haven’t read Finding the Wolf, this may be a tad spoilerish. I tried to keep out a lot that might spoil book one, but I may mention a few things related to the plot of the book.)
The maji, born to be vessels of magic, have long been held as slaves to the other half of their community, the magi. But the tide has turned and the maji seek to break free of their chains. That freedom will come from different sources, though, for the twin maji, Baine and Laine. Separated by their masters for years, they must each find a way back to each other. Or, perhaps, find a new path to walk together.
Um, I guess I should point out that despite what my half-ass’d summary might hint at, this isn’t acutely a twincest story. Sorry. Though I would have totally taken one of those as well. ;D
No, this is the story of two brothers who have to find a way to look past their captivity and find themselves the masters of their own fate.
Laine, who was featured in book one, has to break free of his chains (both metaphorical and physical) and see if he can have a place with Reese, the werewolf who has taken him in. Baine on the other hand has fought his way to freedom, only to find himself bound once again to an imposed duty by his family and his community. He feels bound to the duty almost as much as he feels drawn to Dean–-a dragon who has every intention of gathering the young maji into his hoard.
I found I enjoyed this story a bit more than I did the first, probably just because I didn’t know how it was going to end. I liked how the author set up the magical world of the maji/magi. It was a lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be from what I read of the first book.
Unfortunately there were a few editorial issues with this story. Most notably the fact that Baine becomes Blaine at several points in the book. I did have to take a few points off for that. I’m not one to usually moan about grammar/spelling things (since I am horrible at it myself), but I kinda like my main characters to have the same names all the way thru the story at the very least.
Dragons and werewolves and magic made this an entertaining read. It was less quick-paced than the first book, but made up for it with all the tension between the various MCs. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to whatever is next.
Stealing the Dragon — 4.5 stars
This one had to be my favorite of the series. It takes place some 15-20 years after the events of book one and two. The castle has been rebuilt and life has gone on like normal for the most part. Unfortunately for some people that also means the bad parts are just as common as the good.
Having rescued himself and his siblings from being sold off to anyone with a need for young magical folk, Jerney has tied himself and his magic to the criminal underworld of men. It is not a bad life, but neither is it what he would have wanted for his family. Especially when it leads to his sister stealing the prize jewel of the young dragon’s hoard. And that she did it with his magical spells, no less, only makes it worse–for both of them. The loss of hoard item is hard for any dragon, but for a dragon not even two decades old, it is devastating. But if Jerney returns the item he will risk not only his freedom, but his sister’s as well.
I absolutely loved this one. Tori, the young dragon, is ridiculously adorable. I love that there is clearly a connection between him and Jerney, but because of Tori’s age it is more of a devotion between close friends than one of lovers. Yet. Once Tori grows up I have no doubt that Jerney will be right there with him in all ways humanly and dragonly possible. I was worried that the romance was going towards a more sexual relationship, but luckily it didn’t. It would have been a bit off-putting since the book repeatedly emphasized how young Tori really was.
The story was sweet and funny and easily the best of the four books. I honestly could read ten more about these two and how they grow up together and with each other.
Melting the Ice Witch — 4 stars
The tribesmen of the icy north have long struggled to keep themselves and their families alive in the brutal cold. But in the two tribes there are only two witches left with any real power, and the witches are what make life in the ice even possible. If they do not find some solution soon they know that they will perish whether in a storm or from lack of food. That is why they arranged to steal Kam away from the human city after they hear he might be of magical lineage.
The only problem with that is that Kam is not a witch. However no one seems to believe him till he has spent weeks up north, amongst Lor’s tribe. Lor, the witch for his tribe, is sad that he has once again failed to find another witch to keep his tribe alive, and that he has taken Kam without his persmission, but he cannot deny that the young man seems to be happy in new home. And it is true, Kam is coming to care for the people, no matter how he ended up in the north. These people are nothing like the cruel and uncaring neighbors that made his life miserable in the city. And that he is coming to care for Lor, is all the more reason to stay.
Even if he cannot be what his people need of him most desperately.
I was wondering where this story was going to go after I read the blurb for the book. While I wasn’t expecting it to head in the direction it did, I can’t say that I am sorry. Kam being taken captive (and basically sold off by some random asshole in the city) had me betting that Kam and Lor would be a bit of a hard-sell, but the growing relationship–and the care shown between them–-helped a lot.
While the story does focus on Lor, Kam, and the rest of the ice-tribes, I did enjoy the side story of the White dragon and his rather tempestuous relationship with the rest of the dragons of the south. Plus this story gets automatic bonus points for some more wonderful Tori cameos. He make everything so much more fun!
The life that Kam and Lor live up north is a lot rougher than any of the other stories. More violent, more deadly. In essence, Nature is the antagonist of this book. And like most things about Mother Nature, you can not beat it, you just have to survive as best you can. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into tribal living that is always one-step away from total annihilation.
This story probably couldn’t beat the pure awesomeness that was Tori and Jerney’s story, but it was still very good. There characters were fun, and I loved how Kam’s gift came into play. And puppies. Puppies are adorable no matter what form they come in (please don’t tell my cats I said that, I don’t want to wake up with a mouse’s head in my bed!). This story also left me wanting to know more about the White dragon and his past. I’d love to have a continuation of that story.
Also, more Tori would not run amiss.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I will be reviewing each of the four books on their own, but overall I must say that I really enjoyed this series of books. I love dragons, and these books had them all in such lovely configurations. Not to mention witches, werewolves, and other interesting characters. If you get a chance I would encourage you to pick up this quartet of books (either in this bundle or sold separately) for when you need that little bit of extra pick-me-up. And hey, they are even sold in audio book form (which I must admit I am tempted to try).
Finding the Wolf — 3.5 stars
The dragon Nyle is in the human city only because he has been asked to find the youngest prince of the human rulers. Prince Leon has been missing for years and the king needs the dragons help to find him. However there is much that the king has kept secret, and finding Leon will only be half the battle for the dragon and his pretty…I mean, prince.
I didn’t realize till I started reading this bundle that I’d read this first book before. I was pleasantly surprised to find it just as sweet and fun as I vaguely recalled. Nyle is totally charming in his mix of dragonish-demeanor and his innocence of youth. I really liked that I could feel both his age and his maturity at the same time (dragons tend to mature at a much much slower rate then humans). He is several hundred years old, and yet still the youngest dragon of his species. I was surprised to find that both showed up well on the page.
Of the four stories this one definitely has the most action in it (and probably the most sex, or sexual content, as well). It is not the focus of the story, but the fighting and the mystery build up a good deal of tension that helps bring the story together. Plus I love a good dragon battle as much as the next guy (who is obsessed with dragons).
Mostly my favorite part of this book was the chemistry between Leon and Nyle. I really like the hoarding aspect of their relationship and how it wasn’t made a big thing, even if it was a big deal. Alternately the hardest part for me was perhaps Leon’s brash personality in the beginning of the story. I just have a hard time with characters that tend to steam-roll over other characters. Especially in regards to sex. I don’t think what happened between them was in any way non-consensual, but I would have had an easier time with Leon if he didn’t seem to basically push Nyle into his bed.
That aside, it was a good start to this quartet of stories, and it left me looking forward to finally getting a chance to read the rest of this series.
Breaking the Shackles — 4 stars
(If you haven’t read Finding the Wolf, this may be a tad spoilerish. I tried to keep out a lot that might spoil book one, but I may mention a few things related to the plot of the book.)
The maji, born to be vessels of magic, have long been held as slaves to the other half of their community, the magi. But the tide has turned and the maji seek to break free of their chains. That freedom will come from different sources, though, for the twin maji, Baine and Laine. Separated by their masters for years, they must each find a way back to each other. Or, perhaps, find a new path to walk together.
Um, I guess I should point out that despite what my half-ass’d summary might hint at, this isn’t acutely a twincest story. Sorry. Though I would have totally taken one of those as well. ;D
No, this is the story of two brothers who have to find a way to look past their captivity and find themselves the masters of their own fate.
Laine, who was featured in book one, has to break free of his chains (both metaphorical and physical) and see if he can have a place with Reese, the werewolf who has taken him in. Baine on the other hand has fought his way to freedom, only to find himself bound once again to an imposed duty by his family and his community. He feels bound to the duty almost as much as he feels drawn to Dean–-a dragon who has every intention of gathering the young maji into his hoard.
I found I enjoyed this story a bit more than I did the first, probably just because I didn’t know how it was going to end. I liked how the author set up the magical world of the maji/magi. It was a lot more interesting than I thought it was going to be from what I read of the first book.
Unfortunately there were a few editorial issues with this story. Most notably the fact that Baine becomes Blaine at several points in the book. I did have to take a few points off for that. I’m not one to usually moan about grammar/spelling things (since I am horrible at it myself), but I kinda like my main characters to have the same names all the way thru the story at the very least.
Dragons and werewolves and magic made this an entertaining read. It was less quick-paced than the first book, but made up for it with all the tension between the various MCs. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to whatever is next.
Stealing the Dragon — 4.5 stars
This one had to be my favorite of the series. It takes place some 15-20 years after the events of book one and two. The castle has been rebuilt and life has gone on like normal for the most part. Unfortunately for some people that also means the bad parts are just as common as the good.
Having rescued himself and his siblings from being sold off to anyone with a need for young magical folk, Jerney has tied himself and his magic to the criminal underworld of men. It is not a bad life, but neither is it what he would have wanted for his family. Especially when it leads to his sister stealing the prize jewel of the young dragon’s hoard. And that she did it with his magical spells, no less, only makes it worse–for both of them. The loss of hoard item is hard for any dragon, but for a dragon not even two decades old, it is devastating. But if Jerney returns the item he will risk not only his freedom, but his sister’s as well.
I absolutely loved this one. Tori, the young dragon, is ridiculously adorable. I love that there is clearly a connection between him and Jerney, but because of Tori’s age it is more of a devotion between close friends than one of lovers. Yet. Once Tori grows up I have no doubt that Jerney will be right there with him in all ways humanly and dragonly possible. I was worried that the romance was going towards a more sexual relationship, but luckily it didn’t. It would have been a bit off-putting since the book repeatedly emphasized how young Tori really was.
The story was sweet and funny and easily the best of the four books. I honestly could read ten more about these two and how they grow up together and with each other.
Melting the Ice Witch — 4 stars
The tribesmen of the icy north have long struggled to keep themselves and their families alive in the brutal cold. But in the two tribes there are only two witches left with any real power, and the witches are what make life in the ice even possible. If they do not find some solution soon they know that they will perish whether in a storm or from lack of food. That is why they arranged to steal Kam away from the human city after they hear he might be of magical lineage.
The only problem with that is that Kam is not a witch. However no one seems to believe him till he has spent weeks up north, amongst Lor’s tribe. Lor, the witch for his tribe, is sad that he has once again failed to find another witch to keep his tribe alive, and that he has taken Kam without his persmission, but he cannot deny that the young man seems to be happy in new home. And it is true, Kam is coming to care for the people, no matter how he ended up in the north. These people are nothing like the cruel and uncaring neighbors that made his life miserable in the city. And that he is coming to care for Lor, is all the more reason to stay.
Even if he cannot be what his people need of him most desperately.
I was wondering where this story was going to go after I read the blurb for the book. While I wasn’t expecting it to head in the direction it did, I can’t say that I am sorry. Kam being taken captive (and basically sold off by some random asshole in the city) had me betting that Kam and Lor would be a bit of a hard-sell, but the growing relationship–and the care shown between them–-helped a lot.
While the story does focus on Lor, Kam, and the rest of the ice-tribes, I did enjoy the side story of the White dragon and his rather tempestuous relationship with the rest of the dragons of the south. Plus this story gets automatic bonus points for some more wonderful Tori cameos. He make everything so much more fun!
The life that Kam and Lor live up north is a lot rougher than any of the other stories. More violent, more deadly. In essence, Nature is the antagonist of this book. And like most things about Mother Nature, you can not beat it, you just have to survive as best you can. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into tribal living that is always one-step away from total annihilation.
This story probably couldn’t beat the pure awesomeness that was Tori and Jerney’s story, but it was still very good. There characters were fun, and I loved how Kam’s gift came into play. And puppies. Puppies are adorable no matter what form they come in (please don’t tell my cats I said that, I don’t want to wake up with a mouse’s head in my bed!). This story also left me wanting to know more about the White dragon and his past. I’d love to have a continuation of that story.
Also, more Tori would not run amiss.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 5, 2015
Finding the Wolf
(#1) - 3.5 stars The premise of this was interesting and the multilayered plot was done well in this novella length story. We got some pretty complex world building done in a way that avoided info-dumping, and even an epic battle. A great love story (albeit a little 'insta) with a side order of Dragon-human-werewolf political and cultural dynamics. Super enjoyable.
I also enjoyed that the author didn't really try to humanize Nyle. The book didn't try to present Nyle and Leon's relationship in human terms. Leon was Nyle's pretty and part of his hoard, that type of possessiveness would be over-the-top and inappropriate from a human. But from a Dragon, it's the biggest honor there is, complete devotion. And there's still equality, if you asked Leon I'm sure that he would say Nyle is part of his hoard.
The audio version was done very well, narrated by Albert Black. Almost all the dragons had different voices, all done well. The humans had a bit of a Scottish brogue which was totally fine with me. I think the only time I didn't like a voice was when Nyle had his one freak out, I know it was supposed to be all deep and powerful but it was a tad much for me. But this totally worked as an audiobook.
I'm excited for book 2, Breaking the Shackles, and that I was right about the new MC's!
Breaking the Shackles (#2) - 4 stars Good, but not as many feelz as the first. I'm not sure why this one didn't hit as hard as the others. Part of it was that I liked the addition of Baine, but felt he got shafted. Despite loving romances, I didn't appreciate that the 'mate'/lovers relationship took precedence over siblings and despite having been searching for years, Baine is simply supposed to get over it since they have mates now. I wish a better compromise could have been reached.
I wanted this to be a story about Lane and Baine, as much as it was about Lane/Reese and Baine/Don. I also didn't get a sense of their relationships progressing, the way I had in book 1 with Leon and Nyle. In all books of this series there is somewhat of an inst-love component since the dragon's know immediately if something(one) is in their hoard, and of course werewolves know their mates immediately. But in book 1 we saw some actual relationship development after the insta-love got it's hooks in. Here, Lane was resistant due to his shackles, then they came off and he was all about Reese. Bain was resistant to Don due to wanting to focus his attentions on his brother and reconnect with him, than the floodgates opened and he was fine with it. A little too much tell and not show with regards to their feelings.
Even though this book was not my favorite in the series (I have since gone on and loved book 3), it still works as an audio book. I like this narrator and think he does a good job with the characters in this world.
Stealing the Dragon (#3) - 3 stars I wasn't in love with the previous book, but the series picked back up again here. A very different and interesting story. It was nice to see how Jerney understood Tori even when his own uncle did not. Because Torr is basically a baby dragon (even though he is 17), there is no sex in this book, but I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. The story itself was as enjoyable as the 'romance', and I liked following what was happening with Jerney and his family.
This series continues to work in audio format. I liked all the voices, Tori came across as young and naive which completely worked with his character. It was great watching him discover new things and accidentally wreak havoc left and right. Excited for book 4!
Melting the Ice Witch (#4) - 3.5 stars This was a great well-rounded continuation to the series, where we get introduced to a new couple but also revisit the others. The couple we meet consists of Lor, the Ice Witch from The North who we met trying to buy/kidnap a Witch needed for his Tribe in book 3, Stealing the Dragon. As well as Kam, a young Animal-Speaker who prefers his life in the cold North to the desolate life in the city he had prior to being mistakenly kidnapped.
I liked both men a lot individually, and did enjoy their interaction. While I don't mind the sexual encounters being off-page, the problem we ran into here is not being able to see that chemistry develop fully. The men did seem to care for each other, but there was an element missing.
That being said, it was great to watch Kam realize his abilities, and I enjoyed experiencing his journey. Of course, Tori was great, as always. And I liked how all the previous characters merged together, in that they each represent different groups in this world who need to coexist.
Overall, I really liked this book. It feels like less of a romance than the others, but that's all right with me. Since I liked this series, the narrator, and the writing, I would love to see more from of this world. Maybe the White Dragon needs a story? Due to the complete nature of this story with all the other races, I have a feeling Ms. Eight is done, but we can always hope!
I also enjoyed that the author didn't really try to humanize Nyle. The book didn't try to present Nyle and Leon's relationship in human terms. Leon was Nyle's pretty and part of his hoard, that type of possessiveness would be over-the-top and inappropriate from a human. But from a Dragon, it's the biggest honor there is, complete devotion. And there's still equality, if you asked Leon I'm sure that he would say Nyle is part of his hoard.
The audio version was done very well, narrated by Albert Black. Almost all the dragons had different voices, all done well. The humans had a bit of a Scottish brogue which was totally fine with me. I think the only time I didn't like a voice was when Nyle had his one freak out, I know it was supposed to be all deep and powerful but it was a tad much for me. But this totally worked as an audiobook.
I'm excited for book 2, Breaking the Shackles, and that I was right about the new MC's!
Breaking the Shackles (#2) - 4 stars Good, but not as many feelz as the first. I'm not sure why this one didn't hit as hard as the others. Part of it was that I liked the addition of Baine, but felt he got shafted. Despite loving romances, I didn't appreciate that the 'mate'/lovers relationship took precedence over siblings and despite having been searching for years, Baine is simply supposed to get over it since they have mates now. I wish a better compromise could have been reached.
I wanted this to be a story about Lane and Baine, as much as it was about Lane/Reese and Baine/Don. I also didn't get a sense of their relationships progressing, the way I had in book 1 with Leon and Nyle. In all books of this series there is somewhat of an inst-love component since the dragon's know immediately if something(one) is in their hoard, and of course werewolves know their mates immediately. But in book 1 we saw some actual relationship development after the insta-love got it's hooks in. Here, Lane was resistant due to his shackles, then they came off and he was all about Reese. Bain was resistant to Don due to wanting to focus his attentions on his brother and reconnect with him, than the floodgates opened and he was fine with it. A little too much tell and not show with regards to their feelings.
Even though this book was not my favorite in the series (I have since gone on and loved book 3), it still works as an audio book. I like this narrator and think he does a good job with the characters in this world.
Stealing the Dragon (#3) - 3 stars I wasn't in love with the previous book, but the series picked back up again here. A very different and interesting story. It was nice to see how Jerney understood Tori even when his own uncle did not. Because Torr is basically a baby dragon (even though he is 17), there is no sex in this book, but I enjoyed watching their friendship develop. The story itself was as enjoyable as the 'romance', and I liked following what was happening with Jerney and his family.
This series continues to work in audio format. I liked all the voices, Tori came across as young and naive which completely worked with his character. It was great watching him discover new things and accidentally wreak havoc left and right. Excited for book 4!
Melting the Ice Witch (#4) - 3.5 stars This was a great well-rounded continuation to the series, where we get introduced to a new couple but also revisit the others. The couple we meet consists of Lor, the Ice Witch from The North who we met trying to buy/kidnap a Witch needed for his Tribe in book 3, Stealing the Dragon. As well as Kam, a young Animal-Speaker who prefers his life in the cold North to the desolate life in the city he had prior to being mistakenly kidnapped.
I liked both men a lot individually, and did enjoy their interaction. While I don't mind the sexual encounters being off-page, the problem we ran into here is not being able to see that chemistry develop fully. The men did seem to care for each other, but there was an element missing.
That being said, it was great to watch Kam realize his abilities, and I enjoyed experiencing his journey. Of course, Tori was great, as always. And I liked how all the previous characters merged together, in that they each represent different groups in this world who need to coexist.
Overall, I really liked this book. It feels like less of a romance than the others, but that's all right with me. Since I liked this series, the narrator, and the writing, I would love to see more from of this world. Maybe the White Dragon needs a story? Due to the complete nature of this story with all the other races, I have a feeling Ms. Eight is done, but we can always hope!
March 3, 2014
3.5 stars
Wasn't too much in the way of dramatic tension - all four stories were fairly wrapped up with a huge bow - but I enjoyed the characters and the settings.
Wasn't too much in the way of dramatic tension - all four stories were fairly wrapped up with a huge bow - but I enjoyed the characters and the settings.
May 24, 2016
I am totally addicted to Mell Eight's writing. I love the stories, the characters and everything else, particularly the dragons...or maybe the werewolves...or it may even be the humans. There's just no choosing since they're all so wonderful. The only thing I don't like is that her stories are so short but this boxed set is perfect.
March 14, 2017
Four great interconnected novellas
A great series with fascinating and sweet romances in four novellas!
The first book, Finding the Wolf, was a bit rushed. It had to set up the entire world and all of its creatures, while still following the relationship at its core. The relationship as such happened very quickly, a scented mate bond from a werewolf to a dragon. However, the world was fascinating and the relationship was sweet, fitting in well to the story. A good intro.
Breaking the Shackles introduces the world to the magic users within it. It also takes the time to explain more of hoard law, a founding basis of changes in this series. It follows two different relationships of twin brothers, so can't go quite as in depth, but was well written all the same.
Stealing the Dragon was my favourite! An absolutely adorable story it is impossible not to fall in love with all of its characters! The relationship core is not at all sexual, with a baby dragon claiming a witch who helps him as part of his hoard for being his friend. The two match so well, with Tori being so sweet but needed someone to look out for him, and Jerney being so kind to his family, but needing help to make sure hisn past got sorted out. The action was swift and well paced, and each of the characters was important and easy to love.
Our final book, Melting the Ice Witch, caps off the history of the world. We get to see the last unexplored area and meet the barbarians living there. It has a great relationship between two people who have always put the needs of others before theirn own, and together make a very cute couple. The last bit of history of the world is explained, as well as the future laid out for this world and its peoples. An excellent ending to the series!
A great series with fascinating and sweet romances in four novellas!
The first book, Finding the Wolf, was a bit rushed. It had to set up the entire world and all of its creatures, while still following the relationship at its core. The relationship as such happened very quickly, a scented mate bond from a werewolf to a dragon. However, the world was fascinating and the relationship was sweet, fitting in well to the story. A good intro.
Breaking the Shackles introduces the world to the magic users within it. It also takes the time to explain more of hoard law, a founding basis of changes in this series. It follows two different relationships of twin brothers, so can't go quite as in depth, but was well written all the same.
Stealing the Dragon was my favourite! An absolutely adorable story it is impossible not to fall in love with all of its characters! The relationship core is not at all sexual, with a baby dragon claiming a witch who helps him as part of his hoard for being his friend. The two match so well, with Tori being so sweet but needed someone to look out for him, and Jerney being so kind to his family, but needing help to make sure hisn past got sorted out. The action was swift and well paced, and each of the characters was important and easy to love.
Our final book, Melting the Ice Witch, caps off the history of the world. We get to see the last unexplored area and meet the barbarians living there. It has a great relationship between two people who have always put the needs of others before theirn own, and together make a very cute couple. The last bit of history of the world is explained, as well as the future laid out for this world and its peoples. An excellent ending to the series!
August 26, 2017
Dragons, werewolves, humans and maji make up this wonderful world created by Mell and each story was wonderfully interwoven and mixed in a way that each character flowed through and joined into the next story.
November 27, 2018
Great start to a cool series.
May 6, 2016
Okay to be fair I would probably give this 3.5 stars but with the problems I came up with reading I felt better marking a 3 star instead of a 4.
Okay so, I read the paperback version which included all four stories in this series (which can be brought and read separately).
Okay I want to get my main issues with the book out of the way first. It was definitely pacing and development that was my main problem with this, especially in the two first stories. You expect problems with development with short stories at times but things really progressed too quickly a lot of the time in this. And the pacing... The best way I can describe it is if I was watching a movie, its gotten to a really interesting action scene... and you accidentally hit the skip button and suddenly the action is over and everything is sorted and you're left thinking... "What did I miss?" I actually turned out a few pages in this book just to check I hadn't missed reading something because the pace was so out. I understand the need to keep a short story short, but trying to push in too much doesn't make it a sensible read.
This was my main issue with the stories. And sadly, the sex scenes also. They came in too quickly and went out again just as quick. The last two stories don't actually have sex scenes in them (more a fondle in the last) and it read a lot better then the first two.
Saying that though... The couples themselves and the characters were very likable. They were enjoyable to read, I just wish it hadn't been so rushed.
Finding the Wolf, had Nyle and Leon, who after a very rushed and rocky start (I was not comfortable on how this relationship started) when they actually started getting to know each other they were very endearing. The whole dragon civilization was really interesting too read, I just wish Leon hadn't jumped Nyle so much. Though it lead to some funny scenes with Gail that made up for it. (Gail and Toel should have gotten their own story because OMG I would have loved that) I think Finding the Wolf was the one I had the most trouble with because it was far to rushed and everything happened to quickly. If more time had been given, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more because I did like the couple.
Breaking The Shackles, actually forces on two different couples and not just one, which makes the pacing off again, though not as much as the first, but obviously its hard to pace a short for just one couple so two is even worse. Again the sec scene comes out of no where with little character development.. It happens to fast for me. Same with the action scenes, but again, I liked both couples and the characters and if more time had been given... *shrugs*
Stealing the Dragon, was probably my favourite because Tori is just totally adorable. The pacing was a lot better and Jerney is perfect in his interactions with the baby dragon Tori, there are hints of a future for them but its not rushed with Tori being so mentally young but the affection between the two is really sweet. The action in the book is well places and again the 'couple' or to be couple in 5o so years I should say, and the side characters were really likable and I would have definitely of liked to have read more of these ones.
Melting the Ice Witch, took the story into a different place which was really interesting and a nice change of pace after being used to the first 3 stories being set in a similar place. The pacing again is a lot better and the characters are a little bit better development again. I liked the couple in it and Kam's gift was really interesting to read but I have to admit to be much more interested in White and The Eldest.
To me, some of the side characters should have definitely of gotten their own story because their personalities jump off the page even in the short time they have appearing.
So it was a rocky start, but the author definitely gets better the more a long her series she got. She too short but the last two stories I would have marked 4 stars each more then likely. I wouldn't be in a hurry to read the first two stories again, but I definitely wouldn't mind read the last two again some day.
Okay so, I read the paperback version which included all four stories in this series (which can be brought and read separately).
Okay I want to get my main issues with the book out of the way first. It was definitely pacing and development that was my main problem with this, especially in the two first stories. You expect problems with development with short stories at times but things really progressed too quickly a lot of the time in this. And the pacing... The best way I can describe it is if I was watching a movie, its gotten to a really interesting action scene... and you accidentally hit the skip button and suddenly the action is over and everything is sorted and you're left thinking... "What did I miss?" I actually turned out a few pages in this book just to check I hadn't missed reading something because the pace was so out. I understand the need to keep a short story short, but trying to push in too much doesn't make it a sensible read.
This was my main issue with the stories. And sadly, the sex scenes also. They came in too quickly and went out again just as quick. The last two stories don't actually have sex scenes in them (more a fondle in the last) and it read a lot better then the first two.
Saying that though... The couples themselves and the characters were very likable. They were enjoyable to read, I just wish it hadn't been so rushed.
Finding the Wolf, had Nyle and Leon, who after a very rushed and rocky start (I was not comfortable on how this relationship started) when they actually started getting to know each other they were very endearing. The whole dragon civilization was really interesting too read, I just wish Leon hadn't jumped Nyle so much. Though it lead to some funny scenes with Gail that made up for it. (Gail and Toel should have gotten their own story because OMG I would have loved that) I think Finding the Wolf was the one I had the most trouble with because it was far to rushed and everything happened to quickly. If more time had been given, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more because I did like the couple.
Breaking The Shackles, actually forces on two different couples and not just one, which makes the pacing off again, though not as much as the first, but obviously its hard to pace a short for just one couple so two is even worse. Again the sec scene comes out of no where with little character development.. It happens to fast for me. Same with the action scenes, but again, I liked both couples and the characters and if more time had been given... *shrugs*
Stealing the Dragon, was probably my favourite because Tori is just totally adorable. The pacing was a lot better and Jerney is perfect in his interactions with the baby dragon Tori, there are hints of a future for them but its not rushed with Tori being so mentally young but the affection between the two is really sweet. The action in the book is well places and again the 'couple' or to be couple in 5o so years I should say, and the side characters were really likable and I would have definitely of liked to have read more of these ones.
Melting the Ice Witch, took the story into a different place which was really interesting and a nice change of pace after being used to the first 3 stories being set in a similar place. The pacing again is a lot better and the characters are a little bit better development again. I liked the couple in it and Kam's gift was really interesting to read but I have to admit to be much more interested in White and The Eldest.
To me, some of the side characters should have definitely of gotten their own story because their personalities jump off the page even in the short time they have appearing.
So it was a rocky start, but the author definitely gets better the more a long her series she got. She too short but the last two stories I would have marked 4 stars each more then likely. I wouldn't be in a hurry to read the first two stories again, but I definitely wouldn't mind read the last two again some day.
March 13, 2016
Only got 17% of this read and gave up. The whole thing read as very superficial - no depth to the characters or the plot. Shame as I have enjoyed some of Mell Eight's short stories but definitely not this.
March 5, 2021
I did like this series, but it really is nothing special. I barely rated the first two instalments three stars.
Still, I liked it. It's a simple and quick read, light entertainment. I liked the third book best, it was sweet and funny.
Still, I liked it. It's a simple and quick read, light entertainment. I liked the third book best, it was sweet and funny.
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